The area of present-day Mitane was part of ancient Dewa Province, dominated by the Satake clan during the Edo period, who ruled Kubota Domain under the Tokugawa shogunate.

The area was organized into towns and villages within Yamamoto District, Akita with the establishment of the modern municipalities system in 1889.

Mitane, together with the city of Noshiro and the other municipalities of Yamamoto District contributes four members to the Akita Prefectural Assembly.

In terms of national politics, the town is part of Akita 2nd district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.

East Japan Railway Company - Ōu Main Line Media related to Mitane, Akita at Wikimedia Commons